New World Sparkling Wine
2017 Gold: 2 Silver: 4 Bronze: 2 Commended: 4
2016 Gold: 2 Silver: 3 Bronze: 2 Commended: 5
Sparkling wine, we know, is a crowded market. But it’s also a growing one, so there are still opportunities for products to carve out a niche for themselves. New World sparkling is not a particularly easy sell, but as our tasters pointed out, it’s stylistically different from both champagne and English fizz so there is a place for it – particularly at these prices.
And if you’re looking for something different, whether it’s a super-elegant Tazzy sparkler or a category-defying Canadian ice-wine sparkler, this is as good a place as any to start.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘They were all well made – mostly methode traditionelle. I liked this flight!’ Agustin Trapero, Avenue
‘Half of this flight were considerably cheaper than house champagne and delivered very well. They sit between prosecco and house champagne. The two most expensive wines were good – complex, and they delivered. But they would be the hardest sell.’ Hamish Anderson, Tate Catering
‘I was impressed across the whole flight, but my favourites were the cheapest. They covered all the bases. There was fruit, florality, good mousse and nice acidity. As they got more expensive they looked like they were trying too hard.’ Sue Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn
‘I was surprised. There was really good quality and balance. The best value was in the £10-£15 area – they would be about £50 on a list – stylistically similar to champagne, but cheaper.’ Masahito Suzuki, Sosharu
‘I was amazed by the sparkling ice wine. It was really impressive, though it would be a real hand sell.’ Andrea Cotichella, Wernher Restaurant at Luton Hoo Hotel Golf & Spa